We had been several days upon the road, when, as we were crossing this plain yesterday, we descried the black who inhabited this castle.  At a distance we took him for a tower, and when near us, could scarcely believe him to be a man.  He drew his huge scimitar, and summoned the pirate to yield himself prisoner, with all his slaves, and the lady he was conducting.  The pirate was daring; and being seconded by his slaves, who promised to stand by him, he attacked the black.  The combat lasted a considerable time; but at length the pirate fell under his enemy’s deadly blows, as did all his slaves, who chose rather to die than forsake him.  The black then conducted me to the castle, whither he also brought the pirate’s body, which he devoured that night.  After his inhuman repast, perceiving that I ceased not weeping, he said to me, “Young lady, prepare to love me, rather than continue thus to afflict yourself.  Make a virtue of necessity, and comply.  I will give you till to-morrow to consider.  Let me then find you comforted for all your misfortunes, and overjoyed at having been reserved for me.”  Having spoken these words, he conducted me to a chamber, and withdrew to his own, after locking up the castle gates.  He opened them this morning, and presently locked them after him again, to pursue some travellers he perceived at a distance; but it is likely they made their escape, since he was returning alone, and without any booty, when you attacked him.

As soon as the princess had finished the recital of her adventures, Codadad declared to her that he was deeply concerned at her misfortunes.  “But, madam,” added he, “it shall be your own fault if you do not live at ease for the future.  The sultan of Harran’s sons offer you a safe retreat in the court of their father; be pleased to accept of it.  You will be there cherished by that sovereign, and respected by all; and if you do not disdain the affection of your deliverer, permit me to assure you of it, and to espouse you before all these princes; let them be witnesses to our contract.”  The princess consented, and the marriage was concluded that very day in the castle, where they found all sorts of provisions.  The kitchens were full of flesh and other eatables the black used to feed on, when he was weary of feeding on human bodies.  There was also a variety of fruits, excellent in their kinds; and, to complete their pleasure, abundance of delicious wine and other liquors.

They all sat down at table; and after having eaten and drunk plentifully, took with them the rest of the provisions, and set out for the sultan of Harran’s court:  they travelled several days, encamping in the pleasantest places they could find, and were within one day’s journey of Harran, when having halted and drunk all their wine, being under no longer concern to make it hold out, Codadad directing his discourse to all his company, said “Princes, I have too long concealed from you who I am.